THE CRUNCH
Apple's Mac Mini has been redesigned to be even smaller and more powerful, but the price tag has increased. The 2026 model is the first to feature the new M6 chip, offering more cores and faster performance than its predecessor. The chassis is now just 0.82 litres, making it easy to mount behind a monitor or hide under a desk.
The new Mac Mini maintains a compact footprint of 0.82 litres, a size so small that it can be easily mounted behind a monitor or tucked under a desk. Despite its diminutive dimensions, the device retains a full suite of ports, including a front-facing headphone jack. The 2026 model is the first Mac to incorporate Apple's new M6 chip, which features more cores and a more varied core configuration than the outgoing M4.
The new M6 chip replaces the previous generation's M4 Pro as the top-tier option, marking a significant upgrade for the compact desktop. This shift suggests Apple is positioning the Mac Mini as a more capable machine for demanding tasks, potentially attracting users looking for a powerful but space-saving alternative to larger towers.